How quickly can you expect to see results with Wegovy?

Most people notice appetite shifts within the first few weeks, but visible results on the scale tend to appear gradually as the dose steps up. A practical milestone many services use is the three-month point to review early progress and tolerability. UK guidance also builds in a formal check at six months to judge whether weight change is sufficient to continue. If the weekly routine has been steady and side effects are managed, the trend usually becomes clearer between months two and four, with further change over the following months.

Early appetite changes

Clinical experience shows that appetite often begins to shift within the first month of treatment. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, acts on GLP-1 receptors in the brain and gut, which quickly alters how hunger and fullness are experienced. Many people report that cravings become less intrusive and that meals feel more satisfying even before the dose is fully increased. NHS services emphasise that these early changes are a sign the medicine is starting to work, even if the bathroom scales have not yet moved much.

The role of dose titration

Wegovy is started at a very low weekly dose and gradually increased over several months. This staged titration allows the body to adjust and helps manage common side effects such as nausea. Because of this, the full therapeutic dose is usually not reached until around four to five months into treatment. NICE notes that the gradual build is essential for safety and tolerability, but it also means that visible weight change tends to lag behind early appetite shifts. Services therefore encourage people to focus on consistency in the first weeks, knowing that bigger

changes often appear later.

Three-month progress checks

A practical milestone used across NHS specialist weight-management services is the three-month review. At this point, clinicians check whether at least a 5% reduction in body weight has occurred once someone is on their highest tolerated dose. Research shows that people who reach this threshold are far more likely to achieve meaningful long-term weight loss, while those who do not are unlikely to benefit from continuing. This checkpoint provides reassurance for those making progress and a clear decision point if the medicine is not working as expected.

When visible results appear

On average, many people begin to see measurable weight change between months two and four of treatment. This pattern was reflected in the STEP trials, where reductions were modest at first but became more pronounced as doses increased. NHS England highlights that typical outcomes under supervision are losses of 10–15% of starting weight over a year, but the trajectory is gradual rather than immediate. For people using Wegovy, understanding this pattern helps manage expectations: progress builds steadily, and results accumulate over time rather than appearing suddenly.

The six-month formal review

UK guidance also incorporates a formal assessment at six months. By this point, most people who respond to Wegovy have shown clear reductions in weight and improvements in health markers such as waist circumference or blood pressure. Those who have not reached expected targets usually discontinue treatment. This structure ensures that NHS resources are focused on those who gain real benefit, while individuals have clarity about whether it is worth continuing. For many, this review is the moment where the cumulative effect of earlier appetite changes and consistent dosing becomes visible.

Long-term patterns

Beyond the six-month mark, research shows that weight loss with Wegovy continues steadily for a year or more. In trials, participants achieved average reductions of 10–15% of their starting weight by the end of year one, with some losing more. NHS evaluations have echoed these findings, noting that progress is clearest when lifestyle changes are supported alongside the weekly injection. For individuals, this means that patience pays off: what begins as subtle appetite changes in the first month can add up to substantial, sustained weight loss over the

longer term.

Why this detail matters

Knowing when to expect results helps people using Wegovy stay motivated and realistic. Appetite may settle within weeks, but visible changes often appear only after two to four months, with a key checkpoint at three months and a formal review at six. NHS and NICE evidence confirm that those who respond by these milestones often go on to achieve average losses of 10–15% at one year. By understanding the timeline, people can judge progress more fairly, avoid frustration in the early stages, and work with clinical teams to ensure that the medicine is both safe and effective.